Law & Order Week: Compassionate Bastard

Despite their differences, both of our major parties profess to share a common approach to illegal boat arrivals: lock them up and send them somewhere – anywhere – else. But, after years of incarceration, most illegal boat arrivals are granted refugee status. It’s this mix of indifference and compassion that makes the issue such a divisive one.

In this event, Peter Mitchell, formerly manager of Villawood Detention Centre, is in conversation with David Manne, one of Australia’s most committed refugee advocates, and broadcaster Peter Mares.

Presenters

David Manne

David Manne is a lawyer and migration agent, and Executive Director of the Refugee & Immigration Legal Centre (RILC). He has worked in various capacities assisting refugees and asylum seekers for over 16 years.

Peter Mitchell

Peter Mitchell worked for the Department of Immigration from 1990 to 2003, including time spent as manager of the Villawood Immigration Detention Centre.

Peter Mares

Peter Mares is an independent writer and researcher. He is a regular contributor to the current affairs and culture publication Inside Story and adjunct fellow at the Institute of Social Research at Swinburne University.